Over the past two decades, Rex Club has become a hub for house and techno in Paris, and one of the city’s most famous nightclubs overall. This year they announced they’d be celebrating 25 years in the business with a series of parties, which started all the way back in February. Over the last nine months, a who’s-who of house and techno’s most respected names have graced the decks at the 600-capacity venue to help them mark the occasion.

On November 3rd, it was up to three of the city’s contemporary staples to play all night, namely Apollonia, AKA Dan Ghenacia, Dyed Soundorom and Shonky. The French trio have been blazing a trail around the globe of late, delivering their infectious brand of groove-driven house to many of the world’s best known clubs. On this particular night, it was time for them to deliver the goods on their home turf.

Inside, Rex is more like the nightclubs of old than the gritty refurbished warehouses that are so common these days. Seats line the sides of a small dance floor, lending to the semi-intimate feel that gives Rex its chic appeal. As I showed up, Dan Ghenacia was already in full flow with Shonky and Soundorom waiting in the wings (the three were going one-for-one as usual). Energy levels were already pretty high considering the club had only been open for an hour at that point. Soon the club had filled in, despite concerns about attendance on the final night of a long weekend. Apollonia kept up their fluid vibe right until closing time, with a remix of El Prevost’s « Allez Ally » providing one of the night’s high points. There’s no pretence about Apollonia, just straight-up house with a groove that locks you in and doesn’t let go.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing throughout the night, with balloons all over the club and a troupe of dancers handing out sweets before putting on a show. 25 years is a long time in any business, especially electronic music, so it’s no mean feat that Rex Club has been running for so long. As far as celebrations go, this one was a testament to the club’s sterling reputation.